On Thursday, Argentina's Senate achieved a significant legislative victory for President Javier Milei's government by passing a labor reform bill that aims to reduce severance pay and allow for longer work hours, which has been met with intense public opposition. The vote ended with 42 in favor and 30 against, pushing the bill to the next legislative step in the Chamber of Deputies for final approval. Amid this legislative process, protests erupted across the nation, resulting in at least 15 injuries and multiple arrests, highlighting public concern over the impact of these changes on workers' rights.

The Milei administration has characterized the reform as essential for addressing the high rate of labor litigation and increasing informal employment, which currently stands at a staggering 43%. Supporters of the bill argue that the changes are necessary to modernize labor laws that have remained largely unchanged since 1974, promoting flexibility and potentially enhancing job creation. However, critics contend that these reforms disproportionately benefit large corporations while undermining the stability and rights of Argentine workers, raising questions about the long-term economic implications and the social consequences of such legislative actions.

As the bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies, the outcome remains uncertain given the level of public dissent and the heated debates surrounding workers' rights. The situation presents a complex scenario for the Milei government as it strives to balance the demands of economic reform with the need to maintain social stability, which could be challenged if public opposition continues to escalate in response to perceived threats to labor protections.